Qatar Airways CEO says it will sign major deal to grow cargo network
Badr Mohammed Al Meer, CEO, Qatar Airways Group, noted during a recent interview with Bloomberg that the group's cargo carrier will sign the deal in the coming days.
In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, CEO, Qatar Airways Group, discussed Qatar Airways, the national carrier of Qatar, headquartered in Doha. While speaking about Qatar Airways Cargo, he mentioned that "the cargo carrier is set to sign a major deal with another leading player in the market to further expand its cargo network."
He also discussed various aspects of the company's cargo business. While responding to a question about the recent U.S. tariffs affecting the company's cargo operations, he said, "we will notice some impacts over there, but the good thing is that trade will not disappear overnight."
The Group CEO also highlighted the various partnerships the company has. He noted that, in the cargo business, the company maintains long-term partnerships with major companies worldwide, with agreed-upon rates and prices.
Al Meer stated that the company is currently unable to meet the soaring demand. He gave an example, saying that the company could immediately deploy 10 additional freighters if available. He added that even if demand slows in the future, the company would remain well-positioned.
While mentioning Qatar Airways Cargo’s interest in developing new freight routes, Al Meer said, "Absolutely not. It’s about working smartly with our partners. We don’t have to do this ourselves. We’ve signed multiple agreements to cover numerous destinations and expand our cargo network, whether in the Far East, South America, or Europe. Our cargo network continues to grow."
Most recently, Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo, and MASkargo announced their intention to launch a global cargo joint venture. Subject to regulatory approval, this collaboration will enable the carriers to enhance their existing service levels for customers and partners across the global air freight market.
The company also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japan Airlines last year to strengthen their partnership and enhance product offerings for cargo customers.
Al Meer said the company expects to receive the B777X family of aircraft by the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027.
Notably, the company is also the launch customer for the upcoming B777-8 freighter, the freighter variant of the B777X family. The cargo carrier has ordered up to 50 Boeing 777-8 freighters, with the aircraft expected to enter the commercial market by 2028.
